Cooker with venturi assemblies for air flow

ABSTRACT

A cooker that includes a base, a fire bowl with a cooking surface on top of it. An exemplary embodiment of the cooker can be described as a naturally fired outdoor cooker constructed of a light weight, aluminum extrusions that can be reoriented to easily create the base with a minimum number of design elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application hereby incorporates by reference in its entirety, U.S.Pat. No. 10,058,210 issued on Aug. 28, 2018 from U.S. application Ser.No. 14/068,615.

BACKGROUND

Today's market is flooded with a staggering array of cookers, grillers,smokers and fryers. These burly apparatuses come in all shapes andsizes, including built in accessories, knobs, wheels, interfaces to atrailer hitches, etc. One can buy portable, stationary, indoor, outdoorand towable versions. Driving up to the local home improvement store,one is met in the parking lot with a parade of such cookers, smokers,grillers, etc., like puppies in a pet store window tempting you to grabone and take it home.

In many places, the grill has become the central element of the backyard. Many people have or long to have the rugged stone faced out doorkitchen with a built in grill. And when the weather is nice and the bugsare not thick in flight, we see many vacating the comforts of their homeand lounging outside while dinner is prepped and then eaten on elaboratepatios.

But like fine art, it seems that one can spend however much money theywant to on vamping up their outdoor cooking capabilities. But oneproblem is that at the end of the day, your outdoor cooking haven isconfined to your back yard. What is needed is a cooking device that isaffordable, reliable and portable. Thus, one can recreate their outdoorcooking extravaganza at a football tail gate, camping trip or even avisit to the friend's pool.

In addition, while most of the cookers appear to be space-age cool,laden with the most awesome new features, their ability to produce finequality food in a consistent manner is lacking. What is needed in theart is a cooking device that has been designed with its main focus beingits foremost purpose—cooking.

Another issue that many face is what style of cooking device topurchase. Do they want a smoker, griller, fryer, oven, etc. Manyproducts on the market claim to address the multi-purpose cookingsegment but, as previously described, they generally look good but areinadequately designed such that they do not function properly or well.

And now, one of the most important issues, can you grill a steak at arestaurant quality level? There is a little known secret that separatesthe home cooked steak from the restaurant cooked steak. This secret istied to the equipment but more particularly deals with the temperaturethat the steak is cooked. To accomplish this, one needs to have a cookerthat can reach great temperatures. Most outdoor cookers are going tostart topping out at 300-500 degrees F. Many grills will start to failbeyond this temperature causing damage to the grill, melting pieces ofthe grill or the grill itself. What is the temperature that the high-endsteak houses use? Many use equipment that reach over 1000 degrees F. Youare not going to find this in your typical backyard set up. What isneeded in the art is a cooking device that not only operates as aprofessional quality cooking device, a cooking device that can meet orexceed the temperatures used in high-end restaurants and that can alsobe used for a variety of cooking types and scenarios.

Finally, because the consumer is already paying an arm and a leg for atwo inch ribeye, another arm and a leg for the grill puts one at a greatdisadvantage. Thus, there is a need in the art for a cooker that meetsall the above-listed needs and that is reasonably affordable. The costsfor various products can be driven by the materials, the parts, thelabor required in manufacturing and assembly and shipping. What isneeded in the art is a cooker that has a reduced cost by utilizedmaterials, reduced part count, ease of manufacture and assembly and lowcost shipping.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure presents various embodiments, features, aspects,functions, characteristics, etc. of a cooker. In general, embodimentsinclude a base, a fire bowl with a cooking surface on top of it and, acover/lid or dome that rests over the cooking surface. An exemplaryembodiment of the cooker can be described as a naturally fired outdoorcooker constructed of a light weight material, a stainless steel firebowl and a dome lid. A grilling surface constructed out of carbon steeland a construction that helps to distribute heat by providing a heatsinking mechanism.

As will be seen in greater detail, embodiments of the cooker include abase that is designed to be assembled out of three distinct parts thatcan all be adjoined to create the base of the cooker. Once assembled,the base defines a void for receiving a fire bowl and providing asurface for receiving a grate.

The cooker is aspirated through the use of one or more openings, eachopening or at least one opening being a venturi. The venturi openingautomatically operates or is configured to regulate the amount ofairflow that is brought to the fire based at least in part on theairflow demand created by the fire and the unique shape of the venturi.

Various embodiments of the versatile cooker can be used as a stovetopdevice, a grill, a high heat oven, a wok cooker, as well as a variety ofother uses. The various embodiments of the cooker advantageously utilizeone or more of three heat types: radiant, conductive and convection. Anexample of radiant heat is the heat transferred and used to cook adevice that is held near to a flame or source of heat. For example, ahotdog being held on a stick next to a flame is being cooked withradiant heat. Conductive heat is heat that is delivered from a source toa destination through another medium, such as a cooking surface as inthe case of a frying pan. As such, a hotdog in a frying pan would beexposed to conductive heat. Convection is when heat is transferredaround an object to be cooked in a fluid type medium, including air,water, etc. For instance, a hotdog in a pot of boiling water would becooked by means of convection.

One advantage of the various embodiments of the disclosed cooker is thatall three of these heat types can be applied in tandem orsimultaneously. As an example, in one embodiment of the cooker in whicha stone cooking surface is utilized, a pizza can be cooked. The pizzadough would lie on the stone and be cooked from the botom usingconductive heat. The edges of the pizza can be toasted, crispy and maybeeven a touch of burnt from the flame licking up around the stone cookingsurface for radiant heat. Finally, the cheese and ingredients on top ofthe pizza are cooked by air in the dome or cover of the cooker. Asanother example, a steak can be cooked within the versatile cookerutilizing each of these three heat sources as follows: the steak isseared by laying it on a great constructed of a thick piece of cutcarbon steel creating a grilling surface that can be heated to a hightemperature, such as 900-1000+ degrees F. (conductive), while the meatis charred on its surface by the flames and coals through the openingsin the grate (radiant) and surrounded by a constant air temperatureunder the dome or lid (convection). In addition to these three heatingtechniques, the smoke from the heat source is also infused into thecooking environment.

An exemplary embodiment is a cooker base for receiving a fire bowl,grate and cover.

In various embodiments, the cooker base includes extension pieces,wherein each extension piece includes a side expansion receptor on afirst end of a plate and a corner expansion receptor on a second end ofthe plate. Further the cooker base includes expansions, wherein eachexpansion includes a first side and a second side, and the first sideand second side are configured to mate with the side expansion receptorand the corner expansion receptor. The corner expansion receptor is setat a specific angle relative to the plane of the plate.

In the various embodiments, a top surface is mounted on the top of thebase and has a shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shapeformed by the exterior wall and defines fire bowl receptor voidsubstantially in the center of the top surface for receiving a firebowl.

In various embodiments, the extension pieces include a plate that has aninterior surface and an exterior surface. A first flange extends at afirst angle from the interior surface proximate to the first end of theplate, wherein the first flange defines the side expansion receptor. Asecond flange that extends at a second angle from the interior surfaceproximate to the second end of the plate, wherein the second flangedefines the corner expansion receptor. The plate, the first flange andthe second flange define a top edge for receiving the top surface and abottom edge.

In various embodiments, the expansion pieces include an interiorexpansion surface and an exterior expansion surface. Further, theexpansions include a first and second side configured to mate witheither the side expansion receptor or the corner expansion receptor ofthe extensions. The interior expansion surface, the exterior expansionsurface and the first and second side are joined to form a rectangularbox; and

the interior expansion surface and the exterior expansion surface definea venturi assembly receptor void that passes through the rectangular boxand is configured to receive a venturi assembly.

In various embodiments, the cooker base includes or receives a pluralityof venturi assemblies. The venturi assemblies include a substantiallyrectangular block and a mounting plate adjoined to one surface of therectangular block and defining an exterior surface of the venturiassembly. The rectangular block and the mounting plate define a venturivoid that passes through the rectangular block. The venturi void ischaracterized by a substantially rectangular opening on an exterior faceof the mounting plate and four surfaces that taper down towards asubstantially circular pinch within the interior of the rectangularblock, and then taper out in a conical manner to a circular opening onan interior surface of the rectangular block.

In various embodiments, the venturi assembly has a depth D from theexterior surface of the mounting plate to the interior surface of therectangular block and wherein the circular pinch of the venturi void islocated approximately 0.3 D to 0.4 D from the exterior surface of themounting plate. Further, the rectangular block has a width W and thesubstantially rectangular opening on the exterior face of the mountingplate is approximately 0.5 W to 0.6 W. In various embodiments, thecircular pinch has a diameter of approximately 0.2 W to 0.3 W. Invarious embodiments, the circular opening on the interior surface of therectangular block has a diameter of approximately 0.3 W to 0.5 W.

In various embodiments, the mounting plate and the rectangular block mayfurther define two additional voids that have a circular cross sectionand extend from the surface of the mounting plate, through the interiorof the rectangular block and intersect the venturi void at the circularpinch. In exemplary embodiments the diameter of the two additional voidsis approximately 1 W to 2 W and the two additional voids are elbowshaped.

In the various embodiments, the expansions that adjoin between thecorner expansion receptors may have a length LC1 and the expansions thatadjoin between the side expansion receptors have a length LS2 and LC1 isgreater than LS2.

In various embodiments, the venturi assembly is inserted into theventuri assembly receptor void of each expansion that adjoins extensionsat the corner expansion receptors. Further, cover plates are positionedover the venturi assembly receptor void of each expansion that adjoinsextensions at the side expansion receptors.

The various embodiments may include a fire bowl that is removablypositioned within the fire bowl receptor void.

The various embodiments may include a grate that is removably positionedabove the fire bowl.

The various embodiments may include a cover that is removably positionedabove the grate.

The various embodiments may include a support plate that is removablypositioned within the fire bowl.

In another embodiment, what is included is a cooker base for receiving afire bowl, grate and cover. The cooker base includes eight extensionpieces, wherein each extension piece includes a wall plate, a sideexpansion receptor on a first end of the wall plate, a corner expansionreceptor on a second end of the wall plate and a first edge and a secondedge. Further, the cooker base includes eight expansions, wherein eachexpansion includes a first side and a second side, and the first sideand second side are configured to mate with the side expansion receptorand the corner expansion receptor of an extension piece. The cornerexpansion receptor is set at a specific angle relative to the plane ofthe wall plate; and the base is formed by alternated orientations of theeight extension pieces wherein four of the extension pieces has thefirst side up and the other four of the extension pieces has the secondside up and one of the eight expansions adjoined between the two sideexpansion receptors of adjacent extension pieces and one of the eightexpansions adjoined between the two corner expansion receptors ofadjacent extension pieces thus forming a closed base that includes aplurality of walls that join together to define an interior voidsurrounded by an exterior wall. A top surface can then be mounted on thetop of the base. The top surface may have a shape that corresponds tothe cross-sectional shape formed by the exterior wall and defines firebowl receptor void substantially in the center of the top surface forreceiving a fire bowl.

Further, in some embodiments, each of the extension pieces includes awall plate having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A firstflange extends at a first angle from the interior surface proximate tothe first end of the plate, wherein the first flange defines the sideexpansion receptor. A second flange extends at a second angle from theinterior surface proximate to the second end of the plate, wherein thesecond flange defines the corner expansion receptor. The first flangeand the second flange define a top edge for receiving the top surfaceand a bottom edge. Each of the plurality of the eight expansion piecesincludes an interior expansion surface and an exterior expansionsurface. Further, the expansions include a first and second sideconfigured to mate with either the side expansion receptor or the cornerexpansion receptor of the extensions. The interior expansion surface,the exterior expansion surface and the first and second side are joinedto form a substantially rectangular box. The interior expansion surfaceand the exterior expansion surface define a venturi assembly receptorvoid that passes through the rectangular box and is configured toreceive a venturi assembly.

Further features, advantages, characteristics, aspects, etc., that canbe incorporated into various embodiments of the versatile cooker arepresented in more detail in the following description, with referencebeing made to the various drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of one embodiment of the cooker.

FIG. 2 is top plan view of the embodiment of the cooker illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the cooker illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a bottom plan view of the cooker illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the cooker illustrated in FIG. 1 with thetop or dome, cooking grate and fire bowl removed.

FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of the embodiment of the cookerillustrated in FIG. 1 with the top or dome in an elevated position.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevation view taken at line 6-6 ofFIG. 2 of the embodiment of the cooker illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevation view taken at line 7-7 ofFIG. 2 of the embodiment cooker illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an exemplary extension piece that canbe used in embodiments of the cooker.

FIG. 8B is a top plan view of the exemplary extension piece illustratedin FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a back-side plan view of the exemplary extension pieceillustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary expansion that can be usedin embodiments of the cooker.

FIG. 9B is a front elevation view of the expansion illustrated in FIG.9A.

FIG. 9C is a side elevation view of the expansion illustrated in FIG.9A.

FIG. 9D is a top plan view of the expansion illustrated in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an exemplary extension piece.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an exemplary expansion.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a base of an embodiment of the cookerconstructed with extensions as presented in FIG. 8A-8C and expansion aspresented in FIG. 9A-9D.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an exemplary venturi assembly.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the exemplary venturi assembly of FIG.12A with the pieces separated.

FIG. 12C is a front elevation view of the mounting plate of the venturiassembly of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary venturi assembly ofFIG. 12A taken at the line 12D-12D as illustrated in FIG. 12C.

FIG. 12E is a perspective view of the exemplary venturi assembly of FIG.12A from the front view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The presently described embodiments, as well as features and aspectsthereof, is directed towards a new cooker structure and method.

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of one embodiment of the cooker. Thecooker 100 is illustrated as including a base 110, a heat or fire bowl120 (best seen in FIG. 6) and a dome cover or lid 130. In theillustrated embodiment, the base 110 is shown as being a fully assembledinto a single unitary element; however, as well be apparent in furtherdrawings, the base 110 can be constructed of multiple pieces that areattached to each other.

A top surface 112 is mounted on the top of the base 110 and has a shapethat corresponds to the cross-sectional shape formed by the exteriorwall 114 of the base 110. The top surface 112 defines a fire bowlreceptor void 116 (best seen in FIG. 4B) for receiving the fire bowl120.

FIG. 2 is top plan view of the embodiment of the cooker illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the cooker illustrated in FIG. 1.From this view it can be seen that a side of the base 110 is constructedwith two extension pieces 302 that are adjoined together with anexpansion 304. On the distal ends of the side wall defined by theextensions 302 and the expansion 304 are two corner expansions 306. Thecorner expansions 306 are shown as having a length L1 and the expansion304 that adjoins the extensions 302 have a length of L2. It isillustrated the L1 is larger than L2 and thus, the corner expansions 306operate as feet for the base 110 to stand on. It should be appreciatedthan in other embodiments the side expansions and corner expansions maybe the same length, thus all operating as legs or the expansions may beshorter such that the bottom of the base 110 sits flat on a surface. Inthe latter embodiment, additional nobs or legs can be attached to theunderside of the base 110. In yet other embodiments, the expansions 304and 306 may be identical with the same length but then a leg-insert canbe inserted into a bottom opening of selected expansions to create feetfor holding the base above the resting surface.

Each of the corner expansions 306 are shown as including a venturiassembly 320 that is inserted into a venturi assembly receptor voiddefined by the surfaces of the expansions 306 (the venturi assemblyreceptor void is best illustrated in FIG. 9A). The side expansion 304 isillustrated as including a filler plate 322. For ease of manufacturing,the expansions for the sides and the corners are all configuredidentically, and thus, all including a venturi assembly receptor void.For expansions that do not have a venturi assembly inserted into theventuri assembly receptor void the filler plate 322 is used to cover theventuri assembly receptor void.

A grate 118 is illustrated as resting on top of the base 110 and heldinto position by pins 324. The dome 130 can be placed on top of thegrate 118 and is also held in place by pins 324.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the cooker illustrated in FIG. 1. In theillustrated embodiment, a bottom plate 402 is shown as being attachedunder the base 110. The bottom plate 402 is attached to the base 110using multiple fasteners 404.

FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of the embodiment of the cookerillustrated in FIG. 1 with the top or dome and the grate in an elevatedposition. From this view it can be seen that the grate 118 can beremoved from the base 110 to reveal the fire bowl 120 installed withinthe fire bowl void 114 defined by the top surface 112 (best illustratedin FIG. 4B). The dome 130 is illustrated as including a vent 502 thatpasses through the wall of the dome 130 and a handle 504 for lifting thedome 130 from the base 110.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevation view taken at line 6-6 ofFIG. 2 of the embodiment of the cooker illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 isa cross-sectional side elevation view taken at line 7-7 of FIG. 2 of theembodiment cooker illustrated in FIG. 1. From these views, the cooker100 shows the shape of the venturis that are within the venturiassemblies 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the venturi 602 is apassaged that is defined by the walls or surfaces of the venturiassembly 320. The configuration of the venturi is presented in greaterdetail in conjunction with FIG. 12A-FIG. 12E. The fire bowl 120 isopened to reveal an interior grate 620 used to hold charcoal, wood,pellets or other fuel. It should be appreciated that the fire bowl 120can include any type of fuel including charcoal, wood, pellets, naturalgas, propane or any combination of one or more of these fuels. Someembodiments may also include a pellet feeder that presents additionalfuel into the fire bowl 120 to attain a desired temperature.

The fire bowl 120 is also shown with side openings 624. It is apparentfrom the illustrated embodiment that the fire bowl openings 624 are notfluidly connected to the venturis 320 through a closed conduit or pathbut rather, there is a space 670 that is between the fire bowl 120 andthe baffles or venturis 320 and this space is a plenum. The combinationof the venturis 320 and the fir bowl openings 624 result in the cookerhaving a side draft indirect aspiration as opposed to an updraft commonin many other cookers. Advantageously, the plenum operates to maintain apositive pressure reservoir of air which promotes and even distributionof air without regard to the length of the direct path. Further, theplenum 670 allows for the introduction of colder air (denser/moreoxygen) into the combustion chamber 672 of the fire bowl 120 for ahotter fire. Thus, the benefits to the cooker can be realized bycomparing the use of the plenum to a similar use in automobiles.Automobile air-boxes (i.e. plenums) and intake manifold plenums (basedon the Helmholtz resonance concept) are used in to improve engineaspiration and therefore performance.

Extruded Components for the Base

One aspect of various embodiments of the cooker base is utilizing alimited number of extruded parts that are configured such that the basecan be easily assembled from the parts. Constructing, in suchembodiments the limited number of elements that are used to constructthe base can be easily manufactured and shipped. In the illustratedembodiments, the base is essentially constructed from multiple extensionpieces and expansion pieces. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of anexemplary extension piece that can be used in embodiments of the cooker.FIG. 8B is a top plan view of the exemplary extension piece illustratedin FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a back-side plan view of the exemplary extensionpiece illustrated in FIG. 8A.

The illustrated extension piece 800 includes a side panel 802 which isgenerally square or rectangular shaped. In some embodiments, the cookerbase may be short and squatty, in which case the side panels of theextension pieces would have a height that is less than the width. Inother embodiments, the cooker may be tall, in which case the height ofthe side panel 802 would be larger than the width. The side panel 802 istypically configured to stand vertically and substantially perpendicularto a lower surface on which the cooker would be situated or sat.However, it should be appreciated that the side panels 802 could also beconfigured to be at an angle. For instance, if the side panels 802angled outward from the top, it could create a wider base and increasedair flow within the plenum. On the other hand, if the side panels 802tapered inwardly from the top, it could reduce the size of the plenumbut create a larger cooking surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the side panels 802 include a side end810 and a corner end 820. The side end 810 includes a side expansionreceptor 812. The side expansion receptor 812 provides an interface forreceiving, mating with and being adjoined to a side expansion element304 (see FIG. 3). The corner end 820 includes a corner expansionreceptor 822. The corner expansion receptor 822 provides an interfacefor receiving, mating with and being adjoined to a corner expansionelement 306 (see FIG. 3).

The side expansion receptor 812 is integral within a flange 814 thatextends from the side end 810 of the side panel 802. The flange 814 isshown as extending from the side end 810 at an angle Φs, which, in theillustrated embodiment, is substantially 90 degrees from the plane ofthe side panel 802. However, it should be appreciated that in otherembodiments, this angle can be 90 degrees+/−5 degrees, or in otherembodiments this angle can be 90 degrees+/−10 degrees, or in otherembodiments this angle can be within a range of 45 degrees to 135degrees or more.

The corner expansion receptor 822 is integral with a corner flange 824that extends from the corner end 820 of the side panel 802. The flange824 is shown as extending from the corner end 820 at an angle tc, whichin the illustrated embodiment is approximately 45 degrees from the planeof the side panel 802. However, it should be appreciated that in otherembodiments, this angle can be 45 degrees+/−5 degrees, or in otherembodiments, this angle can be 45 degrees+/−10 degrees, or in otherembodiments this angle can be within a range of 25 degrees to 135degrees or more (in either direction).

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary expansion that can be usedin embodiments of the cooker. FIG. 9B is a front elevation view of theexpansion illustrated in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is a side elevation view ofthe expansion illustrated in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9D is a top plan view of theexpansion illustrated in FIG. 9A.

The illustrated expansion 900 includes a front face 902, a first side912 and a second side 922. For purposes of illustration andunderstandability, the first side is identified with the label 912 toshow an association with the side expansion receptor 812 and the secondside is identified with the label 922 to show an associated with thecorner expansion receptor 922. However, as will be seen in thefollowing, the expansions are either sandwiched between two extensionpieces with the side expansion receptors interfacing with the first sideand second side of the expansion (side expansion) or the cornerexpansion receptors with the first side and second side of the expansion(corner expansion).

The top 904 and the bottom 906 of the expansion 900 are illustrated asbeing opened. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, a capor insert can be inserted into the to or top 904 or bottom 906 to closethe opening. Further, in some embodiments, the expansions 900 used forthe corners may be longer than the expansions 900 used for the sides,thus creating legs that the base is raised upon. In other embodiments,the expansions 900 may all be the same size but feet can be insertedinto the bottoms 906 of the corner expansions to create legs that thebase is raised upon. In yet other embodiments, the side expansions andcorner expansions are all the same length.

The expansion 900 is shown as defining a hole or aperture 930 thatpasses through the expansion 900. Thus, the interior surface and theexterior surface of the expansion define a venturi assembly receptorvoid that passes through the rectangular box and is configured toreceive a venturi assembly. On the left and right side of the aperture,the expansion 900 defines attachment apertures 932 and 934. Theattachment apertures 932 and 934 correspond with apertures on theventuri assemblies and are used to attach the venturi assemblies to theexpansion 900. Typically, as illustrated in the various embodiments, theventuri assemblies are attached within the corner expansions, however,in other embodiments, the venturis could be inserted into the sideexpansions or both. For the expansions that do not include a venturiassembly, a plate can be attached over the venturi assembly receptorvoid. In some embodiments, this may be a decorative plate, or a platethat includes model numbers, branding, etc.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an exemplary extension piece. FIG. 10Bis a perspective view of an exemplary expansion. Together, FIG. 10A andFIG. 10B illustrate how the corner side 922 of an expansion 900 isinserted into a corner expansion receptor 822 of an extension 800.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a base of an embodiment of the cookerconstructed with extensions as presented in FIG. 8A-8C and expansions aspresented in FIG. 9A-9D. Thus, it can be appreciated from FIG. 11 thatthe base is constructed from a plurality of extension pieces 800-1 to800-8 joined together with a plurality of expansions 900-1 to 900-8.Constructing the base in this manner advantageously allows the base tobe fabricated from only two unique parts: extension pieces 800 andexpansions 900. Building the base can be described algorithmically asfollows:

an extension(800-i) is adjoined to an extension(800-(i+1)) at the sideexpansion receptors by an expansion(900-i);

the extension(800-i+1) is then adjoined to an extension(800-(i+2)) atthe corner expansion receptors by an expansion(900-(i+1));

for i=1 to n, where i is a variable that is incremented by 2 each passand n is an even number equal to the number of the plurality ofexpansions such that expansion(800-n) is adjoined to expansion(800-1) atthe corner expansion receptors by expansion(900-n) thus forming a closedbase that includes a plurality of walls that join together to define aninterior void surrounded by an exterior wall.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an exemplary venturi assembly. FIG.12B is a perspective view of the exemplary venturi assembly of FIG. 12Awith the pieces separated. The venturi assembly 1200 includes twoidentical structures 1202 that can be rotated 180 degrees from eachother and then fitted together to form the venturi assembly. Theinterior surface of the venturi structures 1202 include a protrusion1210 and a detent 1212. When the venturi structures 1202 are rotatedsuch that the interior surfaces 1204 are facing each other, the detent1212 of a first venturi structure 1202 aligns with the protrusion1210 ofa second venturi structure 1202, and the protrusion of the first venturistructure 1202 aligns with the detent of the second venturi structure1202 to thus hold the pieces in relative position to each other. Whenthe venturi structures 1202 are adjoined to each other to create aventuri assembly 1200, a passage 1220 through the venturi assembly 1200is defined.

FIG. 12C is a front elevation view of the mounting plate of the venturiassembly of FIG. 12A. The venturi structures 1202, when joined together,define a front plate 1230 that includes a flange 1232 that has a lengthL1 just slightly larger than the block 1234 L2 of the venturi assembly1200. Further, the flange 1232 has a width W1 that is larger than theblock 1234 W2. The length L2 and width W2 of the block 1234 correspondwith the dimensions of the venturi assembly receptor void 930 in theexpansion 900 such that the venturi assembly 1200 can snuggly fit withinthe venturi assembly receptor void 930.

FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary venturi assembly ofFIG. 12A taken at the line 12D-12D as illustrated in FIG. 12C. FIG. 12Cshows an upper voice 1224, a lower void 1222 and a central void 1220. Asbest illustrated in FIG. 12D, the upper void 1224 extends into the block1234 and then elbows down to the central void 1220. Likewise, the lowervoid 1222 extends into the block 1234 and then elbows towards thecentral void 1220. The upper void 1224 and the lower void 1222ultimately intersect and open into the central void 1220.

The central void 1220, as best illustrated in FIG. 12D, starts at aparticular diameter D1, then tapers to diameter D2 and then expands backout to diameter D3.

FIG. 12E is a perspective view of the exemplary venturi assembly of FIG.12A from the front view. As best seen in FIG. 12E, the central void 1220at the front of the venturi assembly 1220 is rectangular in shape andthe sides taper to a round hole having the diameter D2. From this point,the central void 1220 then expands out in a conical fashion to diameterD3. It should be appreciated that this is just one exemplaryconfiguration of a venturi. Those skilled in the art will understandthat other configurations may also be employed, such as a conical taperon the front and/or a rectangular taper at the back, more or fewerintersecting voids such as upper void 1224 and lower void 1222, etc.

The Base

In general, the base 110 operates as a fire pit, holding the componentsof the fire bowl 120 in place and providing insulation from the surfaceon which the cooker 100 rests and other nearby elements. The base can befabricated from a variety of materials as long as the materials canwithstand the heat and, in some embodiments, provide a level ofinsulation and/or heat sinking. In one embodiment, the base 110 isconstructed from extruded aluminum pieces.

The base 110 is shown as being substantially square shaped with a depthheight of several inches, however the height of the base is not limitedas the base could be of any height depending on the particularapplication desired. In the typical embodiments to be described, thebase can be from 2-3 inches up to 8-10 inches in height as anon-limiting example. However, in other embodiments, virtually any depthis anticipated.

The base 110, although shown as square with tapered or beveled corners,may take on a variety of shapes and the shapes presented herein,although they may be considered as novel, are not limiting but ratherexemplary. The illustrated base 110 is shown as having its corners 117shaved off or beveled to create a non-equilateral octagon.

The top surface 112 rests on top of base 110 or the various extensionpieces and expansions. It should be appreciated that the top surface 112can be removable in some embodiments, or affixed to the base 110 inother embodiments. To attach the top surface 112 to the base 110, screwsor fasteners can be inserted through apertures on the top surface 112that align with receptors 830 in the extension pieces 800.

In various embodiments, the venturi assemblies 1200 are inserted intothe corner expansions 900 of the base 110 thus creating one or moreapertures 1220 that extend from the exterior wall of the base 110 into avoid 670 or plenum defined by the base 110. In the illustratedembodiments, the aperture 1220 is a venturi. As those skilled in the artwill appreciate, a venturi is a short tube with a tapering constrictionin the middle that causes an increase in the velocity of flow of a fluidor gas and a corresponding decrease in fluid pressure and that is usedespecially in measuring fluid flow or for creating a suction (as fordriving aircraft instruments or drawing fuel into the flow stream of acarburetor).

It will be appreciated that the venturi is only one technique that canbe used to create increased airflow within the fire bowl 120. Otheraccelerators may also be utilized such as electronic fans, piezoelectricair movers, vacuum sources, etc. These other sources may be used in lieuof a venturi or in conjunction therewith.

Fire Bowl

The fire bowl 120 sits down inside the void 670 defined by the base 110.The interface between the fire bowl 120 and the base 110 is flange onthe top of the fire bowl that rests on the top surface 112.

The fire bowl 120 includes one or more orifices or apertures 624 thatallow air to be pulled into the fire bowl from the apertures 1220 of theventuri assemblies 1200 within the base.

The cooking grill or grill surface 118 sits above the fire bowl 120 andreceives items to be cooked. In the illustrated embodiment, the grill118 is round and has a diameter slightly larger than the opening intothe fire bowl 120. In some embodiments, the grill is constructed ofcarbon steel and has a substantial mass. Carbon steel is presented asthe material for the construction of the grill because of is conductivecharacteristics. However, it will be appreciated that the grill could befabricated from stainless steel, as well as a variety of othermaterials. In a particular embodiment, the gill 118 is designed toprovide a large amount of mass for retaining heat and providing aprofession grade cooking surface. As such, the grill 118 canadvantageously be constructed of carbon steel. The slots in the grillhave a thickness of 0.625 inches while the wall between them istypically around 0.375 inches. Although a wide variety of materials andstructures may be utilized in various embodiments, the carbon steelmaterial with a ratio of surface to hole as illustrated in thisembodiment has been shown to provide good results.

Dome Cover or Lid

A dome cover or lid 130 sits on top of the cooking surface 118 and overthe fire bowl 120. The dome cover 130 includes a lower lip 131 thatrests upon the cooking surface or grate 118. The lower lip 131 of thedome cover 130 is illustrated as flaring outwards but, it will beappreciated that it could be tucked under, flat, or in line with theremainder of the dome cover 130. From the lower lip, a side-wall extendsupwardly to the top, where the dome includes a handle 504 for liftingand moving of the dome. In the illustrated embodiment, concentric ridgesand grooves can be provided to help dissipate heat, provide strength tothe cover and/or aesthetic appeal.

In the description and claims of the present application, each of theverbs, “comprise”, “include” and “have”, and conjugates thereof, areused to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are notnecessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements, orparts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

The present invention has been described using detailed descriptions ofembodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodimentscomprise different features, not all of which are required in allembodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the present inventionutilize only some of the features or possible combinations of thefeatures. Variations of embodiments of the present invention that aredescribed and embodiments of the present invention comprising differentcombinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occurto persons of the art.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined bythe claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cooker comprising: a base comprising anexterior wall having three or more sides and defining an interior voidsurrounded by the exterior wall; a fire bowl that includes a flanged rimat the top of the bowl; a top surface that is mounted on the top of thebase and has a perimetric shape that corresponds to the cross-sectionalshape formed by the exterior wall and that defines an aperture thatcorresponds with the interior void and is configured to receive the firebowl into the interior void and provide a surface for receiving theflanged rim of the fire bowl; and a plurality of venturi assemblies,wherein each of the plurality of venturi assemblies is mounted throughan aperture in one of the three or more sides of the base.
 2. The cookerof claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of venturi assembliescomprises: a rectangular block, wherein the rectangular block defines aventuri void that passes through the block from a first end to a secondend; and wherein the venturi void is characterized by a first opening onthe first end that tapers down towards a circular pinch within theinterior of the rectangular block, and then tapers out to a secondopening on the second end.
 3. The cooker of claim 2, wherein each of theplurality of venturi assemblies has a depth D from the first end to thesecond end and, the circular pinch of the venturi void is located 0.3 Dto 0.4 D from the first end.
 4. The cooker of claim 3, wherein each ofthe plurality of venturi assemblies is configured to create a fluid pathfor air from the exterior wall of the base and into the interior void.5. The cooker of claim 4, wherein the fire bowl includes one or moreapertures configured to create a fluid path for air from the interiorvoid through the aperture in the top surface.
 5. The cooker of claim 5,further comprising a grate that is configured to rest on the flanged rimof the fire bowl.
 6. The cooker of claim 6, further comprising a fireplate configured to sit within the fire bowl to hold burning coals, thefire plate including a plurality of apertures configured to be a portionof the fluid path for air from the interior void through the aperture inthe top surface